Characteristic

 

Potassium perchlorate is the inorganic salt with the chemical formula KClO₄. Like other perchlorates, this salt is a strong oxidizer although it usually reacts very slowly with organic substances. This, usually obtained as a colorless, crystalline solid

Chemical formula:KClO₄

Molar mass:138.55 g/mol

Appearance:colourless/ white crystalline powder

Density:2.5239 g/cm³

Melting point:610 °C (1,130 °F; 883 K);decomposes from 400 °C

Solubility in water:0.76 g/100 mL (0 °C);1.5 g/100 mL (25 °C);4.76 g/100 mL (40 °C);21.08 g/100 mL (100 °C)

Solubility product (Ksp):1.05·10⁻²

Solubility:negligible in alcohol;insoluble in ether

Solubility in ethanol:47 mg/kg (0 °C);120 mg/kg (25 °C)

Solubility in acetone:1.6 g/kg

Solubility in ethyl acetate:15 mg/kg

Refractive index (nD):1.4724

Crystal structure:Rhombohedral

 

Application

 

Potassium perchlorate is used in ammunition percussion caps, explosive primers, fireworks and propellants. It acts as a solid rocket propellant. It is also used as an oxidizer in colored pyrotechnic compositions and flash powder. It is used as an antithyroid and involved in the treatment of hyperthyroidism. The mixture of anthracene and sulfur with potassium perchlorate is used for generating black smoke signaling.